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How To Rock: Ruffles

Stacy Igel — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:01 +0000

- By Stacy Igel -

If there was one trend from the Spring/Summer 2013 runways that transcended it’s own perception, it was ruffles. Typically known for their frilly girly-ness – such as the kind one would perhaps find on a five year olds party dress – the ruffle had a major facelift, taking on a more structured, architectural shape. The result: a modern and fresh feel you’d be hard pressed to find on any five year old’s dress.

As with any statement making look, there are some things to keep in mind when rocking this trend. In general, accessories should be keep to a minimum; ruffles like these are their own accessories. Always keep balance and proportion in mind, both in fit and in what you choose to pair the trend with. Tailoring is a must for petite frames to achieve the perfect fit needed, and avoid being swallowed by these statuesque ruffles.

When it comes to specific pieces, it can be tricky to choose the proper accompanying item. We’ve put together a few examples – and some styling tips – to guide you:

Stacy Igel is the founder and creative director of the young contemporary brand, Boy Meets Girl®. She is also the host of Behind the Seams™ with Stacy Igel as seen on Lockerz.com & MTVu.com. Stacy is a frequent lecturer on subjects including social media, branding and entrepreneurship in fashion, and she is deeply committed to a number of charities, including the Young Survival Coalition and BullyBust. You can follow her on Twitter @stacyigel or at her blog.

How To Rock: The Coat

Stacy Igel — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:31:56 +0000

- By Stacy Igel -

As some of you may have noticed, winter is officially here. If you’re like us, however, you may still be shocked to walk outside into it’s shocking temperatures – because yore still clinging to fall’s chic and limitless jacket options. Well, ladies, just because the mercury dips, doesn’t mean you have to shiver in the name of fashion.

Not all outerwear is created equal, and if you’ve ever dressed up for an evening out, only to then toss on your everyday puffy coat, then you know what we’re talking about (not a good look). When it comes to outerwear, fit and proportion are everything – whether it’s a $5000 designer label, or a $50 vintage find, without a good tailor (and paired with the wrong outfit), all you’ll be left with is a big zero.

There are actually tons of options for your winter-wear; an amazing coat can upgrade a less than stellar outfit. At the same time, the wrong coat can ruin a best-dressed list worthy look. To make things simple, we’ve separated them into two general categories: Lady-like and Menswear-inspired. Here are some tips so you can rock the right coat with the right outfit

The Boy’s Club

Menswear-inspired looks are nothing new in the world of women’s wear; from boyfriend jeans to the boyfriend blazer, it seems we’re hooked on borrowing style from the mens section. When it comes to outerwear, the same rules apply: make sure it doesn’t look like you actually borrowed it from the mens section. Menswear-inspired is not code for baggy. The oversized proportions of these coats means their fit is especially important.

When it comes to wearing your borrowed-from-the-boys overcoat, we love the contrast of a feminine outfit. Blazer-style ones that hit mid-thigh look fab with super skinny bottoms, sheer, girly blouses, and of course, show-stopping heels. For military, or more oversize-proportioned toppers that hit at the knee, pair with a killer dress or chic pencil skirt – bonus points for pairing with a silk or chiffon dress; the movement of the dress peaking out when you walk is so chic. Feminine accessories, like a floral scarf or lady-like bag are also great ways to add a touch of contrast.

Who’s That Lady

Ultra-feminine coats aren’t just reserved for special occasions; they can be surprisingly versatile. The key is in the fabric. While everyone needs at least one absolutely beautiful, evening-wear appropriate coat, lady-like outerwear can be day-time appropriate when done in more functional fabrics like tweed, wool, or cashmere.

Girly, swing-style coats are the perfect choice for tough, rock-star leather leggings or skinny jeans. Wide-leg and flared pants or jeans are just right for nipped at the waist styles, and work with both hip and knee-length ones. Keep in mind though, the nip in the waist is the key there; it defines the waist, and prevents the look from appearing sloppy. Just like menswear inspired coats contrast perfectly when paired with feminine accessories, a lady-like coat worn with touches borrowed from the boys is equally chic. A gentlemanly fedora or briefcase-style bag can hit just the right note.

Finally, the question that gets asked over and over: the appropriate coat length for skirts and dresses. The answer: it depends. For A-line silhouettes, the hem of the coat should hit at, or just below, the hem of the skirt or dress. For slim-fitting silhouettes like pencil or mini skirts, choose outerwear that hits below the hem, and for floor-length silhouettes like evening gowns, choose a cropped style that hits at your natural waist-line.

1. Maison Scotch Tailored Coat

2. Victoria Beckham Wool Military Coat

3. Reed Karkoff Long A-line Coat

4. Kenzo Wool-blend Coat

5. Boy by Band of Outsiders Two Button Coat

6. Topshop Premium Military Coat

7. Azzedine Alaïa Calf Hair Coat

8. Red Valentino Embellished Coat

9. Dolce & Gabbana Wool Coat With Cape

10. Miu Miu Embellished Collar Coat

11. Jil Sander Mauritius Coat

12. Moschino Cheap and Chic Flared Peacoat

13. Ermanno Scervino Jacket

14. Alexander McQueen Jacquard Coat

15. Red Valentino Flared Hem Coat

Stacy Igel is the founder and creative director of the young contemporary brand, Boy Meets Girl®. She is also the host of Behind the Seams™ with Stacy Igel on Lockerz.com, where she is the site’s Chief Fashion Editor and Stylist. Stacy is a frequent lecturer on subjects including social media, branding and entrepreneurship in fashion, and she is deeply committed to a number of charities, including the Young Survival Coalition and BullyBust. You can follow her on Twitter @stacyigel or at her blog.

How To Rock: Green

Stacy Igel — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 04:47:42 +0000

- By Stacy Igel -

Over the last several years, “green” has come to be – no longer foremost a color; a way to describe grass, the leaves on a tree, or even your military inspired coat – but a way of life; eco-responsibllity and the use sustainable practices. Fashion, however, has come to reclaim green for Fall 2012. Parlaying off of spring’s all-encompassing mint trend, green now takes on a deeper and richer tone. Think Emerald, Olive, and Moss, done in sumptuous fabrics, prints and embellishments, seen at Lanvin, Tibi, Rebecca Minkoff, and Gucci.

The biggest way to incorporate this trend is to go monochromatic; the deep tones are almost universally flattering. Layering hints of green is a fresh way to make note of it, and looks especially on trend paired with anything burgundy – another of Fall’s biggest color trend. For the more reserved, balance your nod to green with neutral colors – just be sure to keep within the same warm tones.

With the power of accessories, green can take on the role of a go-with-everything basic, or a statment-making pop of color. Switch your black, brown, and tan handbags and flats for shades of Forrest, Hunter, or Avocado. As the mercury falls, bundle up in Pine, Fern, and Kelly toned scarves, hats and gloves. Spice up your little black dress with an emerald embellished shoe or clutch.

The jewelry is, of course, the easiest way to go green. They can be subtle, almost hidden touches, or can be the center of your look. Emerald jewelry, either in the literal stone or in colored pieces, compliments gold with perfection, each highlighting each other naturally.

Rock Fall’s green moment with some of our favorite clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories:

1. Tibi Long Felted Coat

2. Balenciaga Kimono Trousers

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Skirt

4. Equipment Signature Blouse

5. Matthew Williamson Embellished Clutch

6. Victoria Beckham Victoria Leather Tote

7. Fendi Daisy Beaded Bag

8. Gianvito Rossi Ribbon Shoe

9. Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats

10. Proenza Schouler Colorblock Pumps

11. Gianvito Rossi Fur Sandal *archive, similar style available

12. Erickson Beamon Family Jewels Earrings

13. Mawi Pearl Necklace with Grape Cluster & Leaf Motif

14. Bochic Amalfi Diamond Ring

15. Etro Emerald Multicolor Scarf

16. Emilio Pucci Fedora

17. Valentino Studded Driving Gloves

18. Alligator iPhone Case

19. Kara Kara Ross Resin & Scarab Cuff

20. Bochic Carved Jade & Diamond Ring

How To Rock: The Skater Skirt

Stacy Igel — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:48:27 +0000

- By Stacy Igel -

It’s not often the fashion powers that be look to the ice rink for inspiration, though for Spring/Summer 2012, that’s exactly where they went. Inspired by the short, flirty skirts worn by figure skaters, the Skater Skirt made catwalk appearances for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Carven, Topshop Unique, and Felder Felder.

The versatility of these flippy little skirts make these a must rock for summer – and an easy transition piece come fall.

The Off-Duty Look:

Embellished basics give the Skater Skirt just the right touche of glam for day. Leave your top untucked, so that the skirt hem ruffles out from underneath. Layer on loads of bracelets, and a ballet flat to give yourself a carefree yet chic look.

The Lady-Like Look:

Classic silk blouses and feminine lace tops give these minis a proper feel. Blouse buttoned up to the collar (with a brooch pinned at the top, naturally!) and lace tops with exaggerated lace or ruffled details, play up the lady-like look even further. Top it all off with a skinny belt and a pointed-toe pump or ankle booties

The Boys-Club Look:

Take inspiration from the boys, and pair with a menswear tailored blazer or oversized sweater. To keep everything in proportion, layer a cropped top or bralette under the blazer (be sure to choose a high-waisted Skater Skirt for this look!), or choose a sweater with feminine touches like a sequined collar. For the blazer/crop-top look, accessorize with sparkly jeweled necklaces and sky-high heels. If you choose the oversized sweater, accessorize based on where its detailing appears. If it’s on the collar, wear a bejeweled bracelet and cocktail ring. On the sleeves or hem, pair with a statement necklace or earrings.

1. Carven Flared Skater Skirt

2. Roksanda Ilincic Silk Organza Skirt

3. Balenciaga A-Line Skirt

4. DVF Adella Skirt

5. Topshop Floral Skater Skirt

6. Miu Miu Faille Full Mini Skirt

7. 10 Crosby by Derek Lam Ikat Skirt

8. Milly Watercolor Stripe Skirt

9. Peter Som Lace Skirt

10. Oasis Lace Tile Print Skirt

11. Topshop Aztec Skater Skirt

12. McQ Alexander McQueen Leather Skirt

13. Vanessa Bruno Athé Flared Skirt

14. Miu Miu Embellished T-Shirt

15. T by Alexander Wang Long Sleeve Tee

16. Valentino Ruffled Tulle Top

17. Emma Cook Printed Shirt

18. Clover Canyon Inked Flower Bra Top

19. Rag & Bone Silver Tuxedo Jacket

20. Chloé Necktie Blouse

How To Rock: The Tribal Touch

Stacy Igel — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:25:46 +0000

- By Stacy Igel -

The tribal influence had a strong presence on the Spring 2012 runways – designers like Burberry Prorsum, Michael Kors, Holly Fulton and Donna Karan infused a definite ethnic feel into their collections. These eclectic patterns are so exciting to embrace and mix into your wardrobe, especially going into the summer months. A head to toe look, however, can seem too, “I Jane, you Tarzan”. Instead, a great way to wear this tribal trend is to accessorize an otherwise simple outfit with an ethnic inspired piece.

THE ACCESSORIES

A bag is perhaps the easiest way to infuse the trend into your look. A clutch can easily take jeans and a simple tee up a notch, and when paired with an evening look, brings an unexpected twist.

This tribal trend is perhaps most conducive to statement jewelry. Create maximum impact by choosing a statement necklace to pair with a flowing printed dress. An earring looks chic with a slicked-back bun and open neckline, and a tribal inspired ring is great mixed with stacks of simple rings worn on the same hand.

When it comes to the shoes, bright tribal footwear looks ultra fresh with a crisp, white dress. Put new a spin on the classic pump with an ethnic embellished one – so chic for the office! Replace your basic ballet flat with a tribal print one for an easy trend incorporation, adding spice to your skinnies and tee combo.

On a final note, a tribal inspired notebook adds a perk to running from meeting to meeting – bonus points when worn tucked under your arm as an actual accessory!

1. Jimmy Choo Cailin Clutch

2. Giuseppe Zanotti Design Embellished Sandals

3. Jimmy Choo Cora Bag

4. Lulu Frost OffShore Necklace

5. Mango Touch Ethnic Necklace

6. Oscar de la Renta Geometric Earrings

7. Pamela Love Silver Pyramid Ring

8. Rebecca Minkoff Uma Flats

9. Roberto Cavalli Sandal

10. Jerome Rosseau Pump

11. Proenza Schouler Tiki Clutch

12. Cynthia Vincent Sage Flat

13. Tamasyn Gambell Notebooks

14. Giambattia Valli Embellished Jacket

How To Rock: The Hole SheBang

Stacy Igel — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:47:48 +0000

- By Stacy Igel -

This past month wrapped up March Madness and the famous tradition of taking down the mesh hole net by the winning team during the annual “one shining moment” theme song was embraced by all. While watching this moment I reconfirmed sports and fashion do have many direct correlations. This is especially the case this season, with sporty chic ruling the racks and the web. High scores on the Spring/Summer 2012 runway: Tibi, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Christian Dior, all achieving their ”winning moments”!

The Clothes:

Pay homage to Jean Paul Gautier and Rag & Bone, and try this season’s sporty look with a bright or neutral bandeau top, worn layered underneath a bigger gauge or oversized eyelet sweater or tank top. Pair with a maxi skirt to ensure your sporty style remains feminine.
For a sleeker, preppy with a twist look, layer your open-knit sweater over a neutral or bright collared button down, and pair with a printed slim-cut trouser.
Go for good-girl meets bad-girl chic by pairing an oversized eyelet classic dress with a ladylike silhouette and topping with a leather jacket.
A skirt done in this trend is perfect with an open knit sweater or eyelet blouse; just be sure to keep the size of the ‘holes’ different on each piece. Try a smaller eyelet blouse with a more open one on the skirt (ensuring the skirt is fully lined, of course!), and visa versa.
When done in a short, it gives new meaning to those high school gym shorts we all were forced to wear. Pair with a neon chiffon tank and ultra-structured blazer for a great play on texture and fabric. Be sure to look for shorts that hit slightly above the knee to mid-thigh, and have enough structure underneath to ensure it won’t look as if you just stepped off the basketball court.

1. Vionnet Cotton Eyelet Skirt

2. Rag & Bone Eyelet Top

3. The Addison Story Eyelet Jacket

4. Raoul Perforated Leather Short

5. RD Style Open Gauge Pullover

6. Cynthia Rowley Invisible Lattice Dress

The Accessories:

Taking care not to wear them all at once, you can achieve a more subtle, yet still on trend look by adding a perforated accessory.

Adding matching, perforated cuffs on each arm will create a modern, yet edgy look to even the most feminine of outfits.
A nod to the trend in the form of a necklace, will give an architectural feel. Bonus points if you layer with some sparkle!
Perforated bags and shoes are an easy way to add texture and dimension. It’s such an unexpected detail that will breath new life into a tried and true LBD or even just a favorite pair of jeans.

1. Dolce & Gabbana Leather & Mesh Boot

2. Charlotte Olympia Lorelei Shoe

3. Manolo Blahnik Shariffac Loafer

4. Jimmy Choo Walsh Flats

5. Hat Attack Diagonal Vent Fedora

6. Topshop Graffiti Pump

7. Topshop Perforated Crossbody Bag

8. Balenciaga Polka Dots Tote

9. Kelly Wearstler Perforated Cuff

10. Giles & Brother Perfoated Oxidized Necklace

Photos of Olivia courtesy of Johannes Huebl

How To Rock: Printed Pants

Sarah Wade — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:39:16 +0000

- By Sarah-Leigh Wade -

As each and every ready-to-wear season floods our desktops, our favourite glossies and our best boutiques rails, a wave of statement pieces never fail to pop up, professing to be the latest ‘it’ item. Trends come and go but we as consumers remain hungry for the Next Big Thing.

One trend with unabated sticking power is the printed pant. First emerging in the esteemed catwalk collections of Jean Paul Gaultier and Dries Van Noten for autumn/winter 2011, the patterned trouser experienced climax for spring/summer 2012 with Isabel Marant, DVF, and Paul & Joe (to name but a few) leading the way with prints ranging from everything to fruit and veg, to watercolour scenes and bold block stripes.

Shapes & Styling:

Shape-wise, tailored cigarette pants or capris with seasonal all-over-prints should be well fitting and finish just above or on the ankle.

1. Clover Canyon Tribal Pants

2. EtroCoral & Blue Silk Pants

3. Sass & Bide The Persuasion Pant

4.Cynthia Rowley Zig Zag Floral Bonded Leggings Coming soon to CynthiaRowley. com

5. oneteaspoon Vegas Pistols

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Silk wide-leg harem styles look great teamed with sky-high booties, or simple courts and pumps alike.

1. Piamita Talitha Pants

2. 6 Shore Road San Blas Pants

3. Toi Et Moi Scrib Rint Harem Trousers

4. IRO Floride Trouser

5. DVF Bang Pump

6. ASOS Tasha Shoe Boot

7. B Brian Atwood Frederique Python Pump

Super-wide palazzo shapes are also noted, looking fabulous with layers – try a long-line fur or knit gilet worn over. A draped or silk blouse works well too, making sure to loosely tuck in order avoid looking overwhelmed.

1. By Malene Birger Hazia Print Tuxedo Pants

2. rag & bone Racine Pant

3. Robert Rodriguez Abstract Print Pants

4. Elizabeth and James Evelyn Trousers

5. Topshop Slash Back Blouse

6. Tibi Silk Racer Back Top

7. 3.1 Phillip Lim Kite Back Tank

8. Yves Salomon Fur Vest

If the print on print is a little gregarious for some, as seen on international runways, team this statement pant with clean, sharp basics or tailored pieces for a chic trend-led look.
Tailored pieces look great with a patterned trouser; for an effortless office-to-cocktails ensemble mix with a fitted or trendy outsize shirt, preferably buttoned up to the top. For extra style kudos fix a brooch over the top button or wear a statement necklace placed under your collar. Team your top with an outsize blazer, sleeves pushed up of course with watch and bracelets on show, whilst a simple platform shoe or more directional heel will look equally as sophisticated.

Some of our favourite style bloggers are showing how to mix up the look; Where Did You Get That’s Karen recently took to Twitter to talk about the coveted Zara Aztec pants, while 5 Inch and Up’s Sandra photographed hers styled with delicate silver chunky heeled sandals and a minimal peplum top. Man Repller’s Leandra is also spotted on her blog teaming Topshop’s polka dot capris with a daring mix of layered Breton stripes, tonal checks and dogtooth.

Hair & Make-up:

For hair and make-up, less is more. The key with this look is to make being fashion-forward look effortless. Poker straight locks or a beachy wave add to this relaxed attitude, while make-up should be fresh and glossy. A slick of colour to the lips can be added to this groomed appearance – just ensure your tone complements your print.

Whether you decide to go minimally groomed or chicly chaotic with your accompanying garb, the printed pant is undoubtedly 2012’s most coveted statement item.

Based just outside London, Sarah Wade is the editor of international trend service MPDClick.com and the eponymous blog Sarah-LeighsStyleFiles.com. Sarah is an advocate of emerging talent, vintage fashion and the arts, while is also a published photographer. You can follow her on Twitter @SarahLeighW

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How To Rock: The Turban

Andrea — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:13:22 +0000

- By Andrea Mestrovic -

If you stopped by Topshop in New York last Thursday for our holiday styling event, you would have caught sight of Olivia rocking (and loving) a Peacock feather, high-drama black turban. Turban, as a ubiquitous headpiece, has been around since the twenties, but periodically, and with the help of someone like Miuccia Prada, it gains an entire new thrust and an impulsive attention from fashion aficionados worldwide. The turban is one of those accessories that can be uplifting, daring, and delightfully paired – if done right.

Hair

The rule of hair when turban-ating is rather simple: sinuous curls, tender waves and plenty of movement. Loose curls provide balance for the top-heavy head wrapper and ascertain a symmetry of sorts; hence and without doubt, preventing the big head comments.

Make-Up

If you choose a high-color, high-sheen turban, which undoubtedly captures attention, your make-up musts are smoldering, smoky eyes and flawless skin. Try using a multitonal eye-shadow palette to get color dimension for those piercing eyes. A tangerine blush with a slight shimmer on the cheekbones and a nude lip will complete this look. The opposite is true if the event calls for a silk, black turban, which is most fittingly paired with a 60’s eyeliner and a confident red lip. It is a complete and utter mystery why this trend does not surface more often, particularly on the red carpet. As one of our favorites, we have termed this look a grand standout.

Accessories

The question that remains is how does one accessorize this accessory? A sparkly brooch or a feathery addition to the center of your turban works brilliantly on satin or silk. With all other thicker and denser textures such as wool, cotton knit or velvet, less is more; let the turban be the obvious attraction. It is critical to not overpower your turban with an equally heroic outfit. Keep the rest of your ensemble minimal, but not nominal, with clean lines and less layers. Always avoid bulk at the neck, whether with scarves, collars, or excessive jewelry – naked neck is best, but a taut, lean turtleneck can be a gain also.

A wonderful fascination of turbans is in their multiuse potential. Not only can you pair a turban with a slip dress at a fancy soirée (à la Kate Moss at the 2009 Costume Institute Gala), but dare to dawn it daytime for a lazy brunch rendezvous with the girls or wear it to hide your roots a few days before the next touch-up slot. After all, another familiar name for turbans is cache-misère (French for ”hide misery”), as even decades ago French ladies of leisure have often resorted to turbans on bad hair days.As trends come and go, the turban remains a bold statement, but much like other complexities in the world of high fashion, you have to play by the rules on this one.

1.ASOS Silver Turban 2.Diamond Brooch 3.Tara Turban 4.Barbia Brooch 5.Lily Turban 6.Starburst Brooch 7.Velour Turban 8.Prada Brooch

1.ASOS Embellished Turban 2.A.Ok Turban 3.Rosie Ugden Turban 4.Topshop Turban 5.ASOS Slot Turban 6.Leleux Hair Band 7.Dominique Turban

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